Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 127201 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127201 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
With a sigh, Nero twisted his body to pull Miguel into the gentlest hug. “I’m sorry, Miguel. I was so angry. And when I think I could have prevented all this—”
Miguel wished he could tell him that no one was to blame, that he couldn’t have known what would happen, but since he wasn’t able to, he gently stroked his man’s back in a soothing gesture, which he hoped communicated, ‘It’s okay’.
The embrace was safety, and Miguel only pulled away, because he needed to write down his thoughts again.
[I love you. I wish I could tell you.] His heart was heavy with tenderness when he passed the note.
Nero’s eyes often flickered with amusement, or joy, but now their green hue was warm, like the coziest scarf to keep Miguel comfortable. “I… told you I feel the same. Never thought I could, but… it seems you’re something else.”
Miguel wasn’t sure about kissing with his mouth so bruised and battered, but he rubbed his cheek against Nero’s hair. He couldn’t wait to see it green, or pink, or blue as Nero bloomed into his true self again.
[Thank you for fighting for my sister. Did you send Ramiro the codes yet?]
Nero shrugged. “Yeah. It’s been hours. He told me she’s in a hotel in Lima. We can go there once you’re discharged.”
[She’s here?!] Miguel’s heart sped up when he thought back to the way his sister had been on the day preceding the massacre, so excited for her future. Her dreams had been crushed by Raul Moreno, but unless Ramiro lied to them—and he’d never been known to break a promise—then she was now free, and he’d get to see her soon.
Nero smiled. “Yup. I have the room number and everything.”
Miguel choked up and had to take a few deep breaths to calm himself. [Thank you for giving up those codes, letting Ramiro live… I know it wasn’t easy. But he will keep the promise. If we stay away from Colombia, we won’t be found. We’ll make that tattoo shop happen for you.] That would be his goal. He’d keep Nero safe and make him happy. What other reason to keep living did he need?
Nero’s full mouth, which he longed to kiss so damn much, stretched in a smile as he petted Miguel’s hand. “And we shall find something good for you as well.”
Miguel stroked Nero’s hair. [I already have a job for life. I’m your bodyguard, remember?]
Nero’s sharp teeth dug into his lip when he attempted to restrain another smile. “Okay, bodyguard. I’ll try not to overwork you too much.”
Miguel smiled a little, even though it hurt, but then flinched away from Nero at the sound of someone knocking. He looked around for a gun, but there was none. In desperation, he made a finger gun and pointed it at the door, but Nero rolled his eyes and didn’t bother getting off the bed for propriety.
“Come in!”
Instead of a nurse or doctor confidently striding in to check up on Miguel, a woman in her thirties, quite short and with a long mane of dark hair, stepped inside. At first, Miguel thought she was lost, but then his gaze settled on the birthmark at the top of her cheek, and in its context, her features turned so very dear and familiar.
He tried to say her name, but his voice was reduced to grunting, and he paid for it in pain. It was Elisa—back from the afterlife and walking among the living, even if so very changed from the girl he’d known years ago.
Dressed in jeans and a tank top, she wouldn’t have stood out from the crowd of women her age, but to him, she was an angel brought back from hell.
Nero stilled, only to rise to his feet as if something had stung him. “I—Hello. Are you... who I think you are?”
She lowered her chin and nervously twisted the strap of her bag when Nero raised his hand, almost touching her heart-shaped birthmark. But a loud inhale later, she stood straighter and spoke, turning her gaze away from Nero, because they obviously did not share the same parents.
“Miguel?”
He nodded, lost in his own silence, but Nero was there to step in and help.
“We’ve been through… a lot. Your brother lost his tongue,” he said and tapped the notebook in Miguel’s lap, reminding Miguel of its existence.
Overwhelmed by the sudden appearance of this beloved ghost from his past, Miguel struggled holding the pen, but he finally passed her a note. [We secured your freedom. You’re safe. I’m so happy you’re alive.]
Elisa hesitated for a while after reading the message, but then tears welled up in her eyes and she leaned over the bed, squeezing him with all the strength she had. It hurt, but the elation of holding her in his arms made the pain melt away. A deep sob left her chest, expressing all the fear, sadness and anger she carried, but they were now together. And she was free at last.